LET JUSTICE BE DONE IN THE NAME OF RIZAL!

(Reprint from http://www.knightsofrizal.eu)

Dear Illustrious Gentlemen,

Exactly one month ago we celebrated the death of our National Hero Dr. José Rizal.

Three months ago I forwarded the sworn-in statement regarding the complaints against Sir Lino Paras to the Supreme Council.

Six months ago the Supreme Council circulated the “Appointments of Commanders … for Foreign or Overseas Regions”.

Time is passing by very quickly, but my memory will not pass away.

There is a need for a clarification process with the procedure / occurrence that resulted to the appointment of Lino Paras as the now installed Regional Commander.

This is necessary to enable third parties outside the ruling parties within our organisation to understand the disappointment, the frustration and even madness regarding the illegal installation of our second Filipino European Regional Commander, after Sir Carlos Benitez, Jr. who headed Europe in the RY 1998/99.

The new adjusted By-laws of the Order are clear: “ Article VII – Duties of the Executive Officers, Section 10: … The Supreme Commander shall, with the concurrence of the Supreme Council, appoint the incoming Regional Commanders, Deputy Regional Commanders and concerned Area Commanders from a list of at least three (3) nominees for each relevant position. The list of nominees shall be submitted, at such time as the Supreme Commander may determine appropriate, by the concerned incumbent Regional Commanders in consultation with the Deputy Regional Commanders, Area Commanders and Chapter Commanders within their regional or administrative area. …

This meeting in 2006 under the Regional Commander for Europe, Sir Barry Bowmann took place near Heidelberg in Germany on 29^th of April, 2006. To make the story short, Lino Paras was not on the list of the official recommendation of the Europe Regional Council to the Supreme Council.

There have been discussions in the Philippines, between Sir Hans G. Schoof, KGOR, our long time contact-person in the Philippines for the Europe Region and the former Supreme Commander Sir Roger Quiambao in respect of this list. To make again the story short, with small adjustments to balance the Europe-Filipino and the Europe share, the list was signed by former Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide as he confirmed to Sir Hans G. Schoof, Jr. during the celebration of the farewell for the Outgoing Supreme Commander Sir J. Lina.

The Regional Commander for Europe on said list was Sir Lucien Spittael, KGOR, a true Rizalist, ready to head a united Europe Region. Since this topic was discussed during the 4.th regular meeting of the Supreme Council on august 5^th, 2006 and confirmed to Sir Hans G. Schoof as stated, he distributed this information to the undersigned, whereas Sir Lucien Spittael was informed too.

Suddenly with signature on august 26^th, 2006 the Supreme Commander circulated the Special Order No. 002-2006 with a new list and other names – perhaps only page one and two were exchanged – and appointed now Lino Paras as the new Regional Commander. Completely against the regulation of the manual of the Order.

How can an organisation fulfil criteria of a democracy, if a member of the Council of Elders, Sir Roger Quiambao the same time is acting as part of the Supreme Council – Consultant of the Supreme Commander on International Affairs and Relations.

The controller controls himself?

No wonder, that Sir Hans G. Schoof rejected the appointment as Consultant of the Supreme Commander for the Order´s European Affairs.

I am aware, we are a Filipino Order, but due to the spirit of our National Hero Dr. José Rizal, we are as well an International Organisation. Although there have been partly stormy periods in the Philippines during the time of two Supreme Councils, we pushed for a democratic revision of our by-laws. But what is the reason to have by-laws, when not even the Supreme Council is following said papers.

I have joined the Order on January, 13^th, 1996 in Manila. No need to mention, I am Rizalist, like many other European brothers and sisters. Now we are frustrated, we are disappointed and the more time is passing by before proper investigations on above mentioned topics have been taking place, the more brothers and sisters will turn away from our organisation.

Finally I am looking on the invitation to the International Assembly. The first day arrival, the second day full of speeches and Knighthood ceremonies and the third day fun fun fun.

My wife Lady Jane Hartung and myself rather sponsored our 200- USD participation fee for the delayed Christmas party of the Smokey Mountain Kindergarten beside the Smokey Mountain in Tondo/ Manila on December 30^th, 2006.

Sincerely yours!

(original signed)

Sir Klaus W. Hartung, KGOR